For the first three years Mattel made Hot Wheels toy cars (1968-1971), they included collector buttons. The marketing department developed the concept to encourage child-to-child marketing. The tab was included on the button so a child could easily fold it over a pocket or belt. The button designs are credited to Otto Kuhni, who illustrated early Hot Wheels product packaging.

The Turbofire Hot Wheel model was a 1969 release, capitalizing on the immense success Hot Wheels experienced in their first year. It was one of four Hot Wheels to be the first designed in-house (by Ira Gilford) instead of being based on existing custom cars.